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Saturday, October 09, 2010

California Propositions

Every year California is inundated with ballot propositions. Some are always good, some horrible, and some are almost formalities. And it is always hard to figure out which is which. So I always try to check out and give recommendations for each proposition. Below is my preliminary analysis for November's propositions. I may update if/when new endorsements come out. First I will give my own analysis then I will give the endorsements of some progressive organizations. Not all organizations have endorsed, and some may have endorsed by I haven't come across it yet, so that is the part most likely to be updated. An overall rundown with links to supporters and opponents of each proposition can be found here.

My analysis:

Yes on Proposition 19: Legalizes pot. My reasoning is prohibition has been costly and ineffective. Nations and cities that have legalized usually find legalization reduces crime, reduces costs and allows people who need help fighting an addiction to get help. Legalization isn't perfect, but it has a better track record than prohibition. Prop. 19 is supported by:

* Joseph D. McNamara, retired chief of the San Jose Police Department * James P. Gray, retired judge, Orange County Superior Court * Stephen Downing, retired deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police Department * Joycelyn Elders, retired Surgeon General of the United States * Alice A. Huffman, president, California NAACP * David Doddridge, retired narcotics detective of the Los Angeles Police Department * California NAACP * National Black Police Association * Gary E. Johnson, former two term Republican Governor of the state of New Mexico * George Miller, current Democratic House Representative from California's 7th congressional district * Unions including the American Federation of Teachers and SEIU.

Also:# League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)# California Libertarian Party# California Green Party# Peace and Freedom Party of California# California Young Democrats# Progressive Democrats of America# Republican Liberty Caucus# ACLU of Northern California# ACLU of Southern California# ACLU of San Diego

No on Proposition 20 and Yes on 27: These are rival propositions. Prop 20 is a somewhat veiled power play by Republicans to redistrict in their favor. Prop 27 restores the status quo for redistricting that is in line with how most states do it. Some progressives are neutral on Prop 27 but since the redistricting changes seem pushed by Republicans, I support reversing it. From what I can tell the new system takes redistricting power away from elected officials (who have some accountability to voters) and puts it in the hands of appointed bureaucrats with no accountability. Prop 20 extends that bureaucratic system, Prop 27 restores the old system which keeps those who redraw the districts accountable to voters.

It should be noted, however, some good leaders of organizations like AARP, California Common Cause and California chapter of the NAACP, support Prop 20. However Prop. 20 is opposed by leaders of Sierra Club. But bottom line is I find people I trust tend to oppose Prop. 20 and support Prop. 27, while those supporting 20 and opposing 27 tend to be wealthy businessmen and conservative Republicans. Following the money, I trust the opposition to Prop. 20 and the supporters of Prop. 27. Still, it seems there are arguments to be made both ways.

No on Prop 22 (?): something of a catch-22 here. This proposition would greatly limit the state legislature's ability to deal with financial crises and keep the government running. However, the Proposition does somewhat protect Local funds. On balance the "NO" side seems to have better arguements. Suggested reading: http://obrag.org/?p=25515

Supporters seem to mainly be developers. The main opponents seem to be:

Yes on Prop 24: No brainer. Closes tax loopholes for corporations. Stops $1.7 billion in new special tax breaks for wealthy multi-state corporations...that is money that should go to schools and libraries, not into the pockets of CEOs

Ad in favor of Prop 24:

Supported by teachers and education organizations, unions and the League of Women Voters of California. List of supporters can be found here. The main donors opposing it are large corporations including Fox News corporation.

Yes on Prop 25, No on Prop 26: These are somewhat rival propositions. 25 returns to a simple majority the ability of the legislature to make financial decisions. Reforms California’s state budget process; prevents Republicans, the minority, from holding Democrats, the majority, hostage by refusing to pass a budget or tax the oil companies. This reverses the right wing power game that has made California such a dysfunctional state. Prop 26 extends the already broken system, making California even more dysfunctional. Prop 26 is opposed by public health groups, environmental and consumer groups, organized labor